** LAMA has a number of division-level committees, discussion groups, and task forces. Rosters and committee charges are available on the [http://www.ala.org/ala/lama/lamacommittees/divisioncomms/lamacommitteesanddiscussiongroups.cfm LAMA Committees] web page. The [http://www.ala.org/ala/lama/aboutlama/lamamemresource/lamaforms/lamaactivity.cfm volunteer form] is available online.

** LAMA has a number of division-level committees, discussion groups, and task forces. Rosters and committee charges are available on the [http://www.ala.org/ala/lama/lamacommittees/divisioncomms/lamacommitteesanddiscussiongroups.cfm LAMA Committees] web page. The [http://www.ala.org/ala/lama/aboutlama/lamamemresource/lamaforms/lamaactivity.cfm volunteer form] is available online.

** LAMA also has seven sections, each dealing with a specific aspect of library leadership, administration, and management. Each section also has committees. The same [http://www.ala.org/ala/lama/aboutlama/lamamemresource/lamaforms/lamaactivity.cfm volunteer form] is used for section committees as for division committees.

** LAMA also has seven sections, each dealing with a specific aspect of library leadership, administration, and management. Each section also has committees. The same [http://www.ala.org/ala/lama/aboutlama/lamamemresource/lamaforms/lamaactivity.cfm volunteer form] is used for section committees as for division committees.

** LITA has a number of [http://www.ala.org/ala/lita/litamembership/litacommittees/litacommittees.cfm committees], [http://www.ala.org/ala/lita/litamembership/litaigs/litainterest.cfm interest groups], and task forces. An outline of committee members' duties is available in the [http://www.ala.org/ala/lita/aboutlita/org/litamanual/litamanualsection4.cfm LITA Manual]. The [http://www.ala.org/ala/lita/litamembership/litacommittees/litacommittees.cfm volunteer form] is available online. (Please note that the volunteer form is password-protected and accessible only to ALA members.)

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** LITA has opportunities for virtual committee members. Those appointed to committees as virtual members are not required to attend conferences.

** PLA has a number of [http://www.ala.org/ala/pla/committeework/committeework.cfm committees]. There are both division-level committees and cluster committees. Information about PLA committees, as well as committee rosters, can be accessed from the [http://www.ala.org/ala/pla/committeework/committeework.cfm Committee Work] web page by clicking on the name of the committee. The volunteer form is available online as a Word document linked from the Committee Work web page.

** RUSA also has six sections, each dealing with a specialized aspect of reference and user services. Each section has its own committees and its own volunteer form. These [http://www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaourassoc/rusavolunteers/rusavolunteers.cfm volunteer forms] are available online. (Scroll down to the "Committee Volunteer Forms" heading.)

** YALSA has a number of committees, task forces, discussion groups, and interest groups. Information is available on the [http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/aboutyalsab/yalsacommittee.cfm YALSA Committees] web page. The YALSA Handbook also has page describing the [http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/aboutyalsa/jobdescriptioncommittee.cfm responsibilities of committee members and committee chairs]. The [http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/joinus/committeevolunteer.cfm volunteer form] is available online.

===Roundtable Committees===

===Roundtable Committees===

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ALA has 17 roundtables, and each has its own committee appointment process. Here's some information about the ALA roundtables, as well as links to the committee volunteer forms for each roundtable when available.

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* [http://www.ala.org/ala/clenert/clenert.cfm CLENE (Continuing Library Education Network and Exchange Round Table, AKA "CLENE")] focuses on quality continuing education and staff development programming for all library staff. Information about [http://www.ala.org/ala/clenert/clenemem/membership.cfm joining CLENERT] is available on their web site. For information about committee opportunities within CLENERT, contact the [http://www.ala.org/ala/clenert/officers/officers.cfm President or Vice President/President-Elect].

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* [http://www.ala.org/ala/emiert/emiert.cfm EMIERT (Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table)] "serves as a source of information on recommended ethnic collections, services, and programs." EMIERT has 16 different [http://www.ala.org/ala/emiert/emiertcommittees/emiertcommittees.cfm committees], and descriptions are available online. To volunteer for an EMIERT committee, contact the [http://www.ala.org/ala/emiert/emiertpeople/emiertpeople.cfm chair or vice-chair] for more information.

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* [http://www.ala.org/ala/ert/exhibitsround.htm ERT (Exhibits Round Table)] "provides a venue for communication and cooperation between the exhibitors at library conferences and ALA for the purpose of making the exhibits an effective part of conference." ERT has six [http://www.ala.org/ala/ert/ertcommittees.htm committees] that work to achieve its goals. For information about volunteering for an ERT committee, [http://www.ala.org/ala/ert/ertcommittees.htm contact] the ERT chair or vice-chair.

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* [http://www.ala.org/ala/faflrt/faflrt.cfm FAFLRT (Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table)] promotes service, research, and development for federal and armed forces libraries. FAFLRT has several [http://www.ala.org/ala/faflrt/faflrtcommittees/committees.cfm committees] tailored to the needs of librarians and library staff working in federal and armed forces libraries. To volunteer for a FAFLRT committee, contact the [http://www.ala.org/ala/faflrt/faflrtofficers/officers.cfm FAFLRT Chair or Vice-Chair]. In addition, FAFLRT will be sponsoring a program at Annual 2008 focusing on careers in federal and armed forces libraries.

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* [http://www.ala.org/ala/glbtrt/welcomeglbtround.cfm GLBTRT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table)] was founded in 1970, and was the nation's first GLBT professional organization. The GLBTRT has a number of [http://isd.usc.edu/~trimmer/glbtrt/committees.htm committees], including award committees and administrative committees, that need volunteers. To volunteer for a GLBTRT committee, contact the [http://isd.usc.edu/~trimmer/glbtrt/committeemembers.htm Membership Committee Chair].

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* [http://www.ala.org/ala/godort/godort.htm GODORT (Government Documents Round Table)] "provides a forum for the discussion of problems and concerns and for the exchange of ideas among librarians working with government documents." The GODORT [http://www.ala.org/ala/godort/godortcommittees/godortmembership/newmembers.htm New and Prospective Members] web page provides information about GODORT committees and ways to get involved with GODORT. To volunteer for a GODORT committee, [http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=godortdirectory&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=161007 contact] the GODORT Chair or Assistant Chair/Chair-Elect.

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* [http://www.ala.org/template.cfm?Section=ifrt IFRT (Intellectual Freedom Round Table)] "provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians; serves as a channel of communications on intellectual freedom matters; promotes a greater opportunity for involvement among the members of the ALA in defense of intellectual freedom; promotes a greater feeling of responsibility in the implementation of ALA policies on intellectual freedom." The IFRT has a number of [http://www.ala.org/ala/ifrt/ifrtorg/roster/roster.htm committee opportunities] that are open to its members. For information about volunteering for an IFRT committee, contact the IFRT [http://www.ala.org/template.cfm?Section=oif&Template=/CFApps/Rosters/com_detail.cfm&committee=IFR-ec chair or chair-elect].

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* The mission of the [http://www.ala.org/ala/irrt/irrt.cfm IRRT (International Relations Round Table)] is "to develop the interests of librarians in activities and problems in the field of international library relations." IRRT has a number of [http://www.ala.org/ala/irrt/irrtcommittees/committees.cfm committees] intended to further its mission. To volunteer for an IRRT committee, complete the [http://www.ala.org/ala/irrt/irrtcommittees/interestform.cfm IRRT Committee Interest Form].

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* The [http://www.ala.org/ala/lhrt/lhrthome.cfm LHRT (Library History Round Table)] "exists to facilitate communication among scholars and students of library history, to support research in library history, and to be active in issues, such as preservation, that concern library historians." LHRT has a number of [http://www.ala.org/ala/lhrt/lhrtofficerscomm/lhrtofficers0708.cfm committee volunteer opportunities] available for its members. To volunteer for an LHRT committee, contact the [http://www.ala.org/ala/lhrt/lhrtofficerscomm/lhrtofficers0708.cfm chair or vice-chair].

* [http://www.ala.org/ala/lrrt/lrrt.cfm LRRT (Library Research Round Table)] is open to all ALA members who are interested in library research and research techniques. LRRT has five [http://www.ala.org/ala/lrrt/lrrtcmteinfo/lrrtcmtes0708.cfm committees] to further its mission and goals. To volunteer for an LRRT committee, contact the [http://www.ala.org/ala/lrrt/lrrtcmteinfo/lrrtcmtes0708.cfm LRRT Chair or Vice-Chair].

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* [http://www.ala.org/ala/lssirt/lssirt.cfm LSSIRT (Library Support Staff Interests Round Table)] "provides an arena within ALA for programming, communication and networking for library support staff." LSSIRT has committee volunteer opportunities available for its members. To volunteer for an LSSIRT committee, [http://www.ala.org/ala/lssirt/lssirtorg/steeringcomm/steeringcommittee.cfm contact] the LSSIRT President or Vice-President.

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* [http://www.ala.org/ala/magert/magert.htm MAGERT (Map and Geography Round Table)] "provides a forum for people interested or involved in any aspect of map or geography librarianship." MAGERT has [http://www.ala.org/ala/magert/committeesabc/committeesa.htm eight standing committees and three task forces and discussion groups]. To volunteer for a MAGERT committee, [http://www.ala.org/ala/magert/rostera/rostera.htm contact] the MAGERT Chair or Vice-Chair.

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* [http://www.ala.org/nmrt NMRT (New Members Round Table)] is open to all who have been ALA members for ten years or fewer. (Individuals with 10+ years of ALA membership are encouraged to join as NMRT alumni members.) NMRT provides networking and professional development opportunities tailored to early-career librarians. Information about [http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/getinvolved/joinnmrt.htm the benefits of joining NMRT] is available on the NMRT web site. NMRT has a number of [http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/comm/committees.htm committees] to plan programming and services and to conduct the administrative business of the organization. To volunteer for an NMRT committee, complete the [http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/getinvolved/volunteer.htm NMRT Committee Volunteer Form].

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* [http://www.ala.org/template.cfm?Section=SORT SORT (Staff Organizations Round Table)] "encourages the formation of staff organizations and acts as a clearinghouse for information about staff organizations." SORT has seven [http://www.ala.org/ala/sort/organization/sortcommittees/committees.htm committees] that are open to member volunteers. To volunteer for a SORT committee, [http://www.ala.org/ala/sort/organization/steercommittee/steeringcommittee.htm contact] the SORT chair or vice-chair.

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* [http://www.ala.org/ala/srrt/srrt.cfm SRRT (Social Responsibilities Round Table)] "believes that libraries and librarians must recognize and help solve social problems and inequities in order to carry out their mandate to work for the common good and bolster democracy." SRRT is an active round table with a number of [http://libr.org/srrt/#taskforce task forces] open to member volunteers. To volunteer for an SRRT task force, [http://libr.org/srrt/officers.html contact] the SRRT Coordinator.

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* [http://www.ala.org/template.cfm?Section=VRT VRT (Video Round Table)] is open to all ALA members with an interest in video and media librarianship. Information for [http://www.ala.org/ala/vrt/vrtnewmembers/newmembers.htm new and prospective members] is available on the VRT web site. VRT has five committees that are open to member volunteers. To volunteer for a VRT committee, complete the [http://www.tacoma.washington.edu/library/media/vrt/volunteer.cfm VRT Committee Interest Form].

Latest revision as of 13:43, 1 February 2008

One of the best ways to use the leadership skills that you learn in the Emerging Leaders program is to volunteer for a committee. ALA members can serve on up to three committees at a time, and there are committees that suit every possible skill and interest. This guide links to committee volunteer forms for ALA committees, as well as division and roundtable committees.

ALA Committees

The call for ALA committee volunteers is released by the ALA Vice President in early fall (usually September), and the appointment process closes in December so appointments can be made during the Midwinter Meeting. ALA committee appointments are two-year terms that begin at the close of the Annual Conference.

The appointment process for 2008-2010 ALA committees has closed; however, once the 2009-2011 appointment process begins, a link to the volunteer form, as well as additional information about volunteering for ALA committees, will be added to this page.

Many ALA committees also have intern positions. These intern positions are available to any ALA member who has never served on an ALA committee (this does not include service on division or roundtable committees). Intern appointments are two-year appointments, and the intern experience varies depending on the committee. Some interns are treated as full committee members with voting privileges, and some are not. Most interns assist with committee work in the form of projects and take meeting notes. An intern appointment is a good way to get your feet wet with committee work, so if you've never served on an ALA committee, you might want to consider an intern appointment.

Division Committees

ALA has 11 divisions, and each has its own committee appointment process. Here's some information about the ALA divisions, as well as links to the committee volunteer forms for each division.

ACRL has over 30 committees, task forces, editorial boards, and discussion groups. Information about ACRL committees is available on the ACRL Committees web page. The deadline to apply for appointment ends in early December. The volunteer form is available online.

ACRL also has a number of sections for librarians working in specific disciplines in academic libraries, or in specific types of academic libraries. The appointment process for ACRL section committees is separate. Further information, as well as the volunteer form, is available on the ACRL Section Committees web site. (Please note that the volunteer form is password-protected and accessible only to ALA and ACRL members.)

ALCTS has a number of committees. Information about appointments and committees is available in the ALCTS manual. The volunteer form is available online. (Please note that the volunteer form is password-protected and accessible only to ALA members.)

ALCTS has an intern program, which allows you to serve as an intern on an ALCTS committee. Further information is available on the Types of Appointments page of the ALCTS manual.

ALCTS has six sections, each focusing on a specific aspect of technical services or collection management. Each of these sections also has its own committees. ALCTS section committees use the same volunteer form as the division committees.

ALSC has over fifty committees, task forces, and discussion groups. Information about volunteer opportunities with ALSC is available on the ALSC Board and Committee Work web page. Manuals for a number of ALSC committees are also available on the Board and Committee Work page. The ALSC volunteer form is available online.

ASCLA also has four sections, each with its own committees. Each section has its own committee volunteer form, which is available from the main ASCLA volunteer page. (Scroll down to the "Committee Volunteer Forms" heading to get to the volunteer forms for specific sections.)

LAMA has a number of division-level committees, discussion groups, and task forces. Rosters and committee charges are available on the LAMA Committees web page. The volunteer form is available online.

LAMA also has seven sections, each dealing with a specific aspect of library leadership, administration, and management. Each section also has committees. The same volunteer form is used for section committees as for division committees.

LITA has a number of committees, interest groups, and task forces. An outline of committee members' duties is available in the LITA Manual. The volunteer form is available online. (Please note that the volunteer form is password-protected and accessible only to ALA members.)

LITA has opportunities for virtual committee members. Those appointed to committees as virtual members are not required to attend conferences.

PLA has a number of committees. There are both division-level committees and cluster committees. Information about PLA committees, as well as committee rosters, can be accessed from the Committee Work web page by clicking on the name of the committee. The volunteer form is available online as a Word document linked from the Committee Work web page.

RUSA also has six sections, each dealing with a specialized aspect of reference and user services. Each section has its own committees and its own volunteer form. These volunteer forms are available online. (Scroll down to the "Committee Volunteer Forms" heading.)

Roundtable Committees

ALA has 17 roundtables, and each has its own committee appointment process. Here's some information about the ALA roundtables, as well as links to the committee volunteer forms for each roundtable when available.

ERT (Exhibits Round Table) "provides a venue for communication and cooperation between the exhibitors at library conferences and ALA for the purpose of making the exhibits an effective part of conference." ERT has six committees that work to achieve its goals. For information about volunteering for an ERT committee, contact the ERT chair or vice-chair.

FAFLRT (Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table) promotes service, research, and development for federal and armed forces libraries. FAFLRT has several committees tailored to the needs of librarians and library staff working in federal and armed forces libraries. To volunteer for a FAFLRT committee, contact the FAFLRT Chair or Vice-Chair. In addition, FAFLRT will be sponsoring a program at Annual 2008 focusing on careers in federal and armed forces libraries.

GODORT (Government Documents Round Table) "provides a forum for the discussion of problems and concerns and for the exchange of ideas among librarians working with government documents." The GODORT New and Prospective Members web page provides information about GODORT committees and ways to get involved with GODORT. To volunteer for a GODORT committee, contact the GODORT Chair or Assistant Chair/Chair-Elect.

IFRT (Intellectual Freedom Round Table) "provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians; serves as a channel of communications on intellectual freedom matters; promotes a greater opportunity for involvement among the members of the ALA in defense of intellectual freedom; promotes a greater feeling of responsibility in the implementation of ALA policies on intellectual freedom." The IFRT has a number of committee opportunities that are open to its members. For information about volunteering for an IFRT committee, contact the IFRT chair or chair-elect.

LSSIRT (Library Support Staff Interests Round Table) "provides an arena within ALA for programming, communication and networking for library support staff." LSSIRT has committee volunteer opportunities available for its members. To volunteer for an LSSIRT committee, contact the LSSIRT President or Vice-President.

NMRT (New Members Round Table) is open to all who have been ALA members for ten years or fewer. (Individuals with 10+ years of ALA membership are encouraged to join as NMRT alumni members.) NMRT provides networking and professional development opportunities tailored to early-career librarians. Information about the benefits of joining NMRT is available on the NMRT web site. NMRT has a number of committees to plan programming and services and to conduct the administrative business of the organization. To volunteer for an NMRT committee, complete the NMRT Committee Volunteer Form.

SORT (Staff Organizations Round Table) "encourages the formation of staff organizations and acts as a clearinghouse for information about staff organizations." SORT has seven committees that are open to member volunteers. To volunteer for a SORT committee, contact the SORT chair or vice-chair.

SRRT (Social Responsibilities Round Table) "believes that libraries and librarians must recognize and help solve social problems and inequities in order to carry out their mandate to work for the common good and bolster democracy." SRRT is an active round table with a number of task forces open to member volunteers. To volunteer for an SRRT task force, contact the SRRT Coordinator.